May 26, 2014
Why Christians Pray
Recognizing that God is sovereign prompts some questions about the nature of prayer. Specifically, many people have asked me, "If the Lord is in control, why does He expect us to pray?"
Prayer brings us into cooperation with what God has purposed to accomplish. He desires to involve believers in the work that He is doing in the world and in their lives. We aren't to sit around when there is kingdom building going on - there isn't a single scripture to support the idea that we relax while the Lord works all things to His good pleasure. In fact, the opposite is true.
In John 17:11, Jesus asked God to protect the disciples by the power of His name. Did He think they might lose their salvation or drift from their commitment? Absolutely not. Jesus was God in human flesh. He knew exactly what was going to happen - how these men would spread the gospel and remain faithful even unto death. Jesus was taking part in the Father's plan for His followers by interceding for them.
God certainly can build His kingdom without believers' input or help. But a relationship develops depth and intimacy when the Lover and His beloved share an interest. Praying and working alongside our Lord grows our faith and strengthens our trust in His power.
Talking with almighty God is a privilege. The Lord created you to love Him and be loved by Him. Prayer is how that connection gets nurtured and developed. Our Father calls us to communicate with Him so He can draw us close to His heart and involve us in building the kingdom.
Used with permission from In Touch Ministries, Inc.
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Upcoming Sermon Series:
You see it every day. Bad people taking advantage of the weak. Good people down on their luck. Innocent people suffering. War. Injustice. Ever get the feeling God isn't fair? Discover how an Old Testament prophet can inspire a modern day faith in God's Promises.
The titles of the messages are: Where Are You God?, In The Dip, and Climbing Out Of The Dip.
Last Week: Where are You, God? That is a question many have asked throughout time. No matter the difficulties, or situations, we want to know where God is during trying times. He is there, and all we need to do is embrace Him through the trials for His glory!
Sunday's message is available for streaming or for download on our website, just under the calendar, or by visiting us on iTunes.
Next Week: We continue our series on Habakkuk, When God Seems Unfair by looking into In The Dip
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May 31 - Dinner & Pampering for all ladies and girls. It will be starting at the church at 4:30 PM. It is free. We hope to see you there.
June 1 - Carry-in Fellowship Dinner following Worship Service.
Love. Bike. Pray. From 1-4PM along the Panhandle Trail. Follow the link to the website, to learn more about this event. Also, please register on the site if you are planning on attending the end event at 4PM on June 1. We also need some more people to man the station representing our church. Please contact Pastor Ben about representing the church.
June 25-29 - Vacation Bible School for children in Pre-Kindergarten through sixth grade, from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM. Any questions? Contact Stephanie.
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